SOS is expanding its popular tutoring program, thanks to a grant from the Parksville Rotary Club.
“With youth and literacy being two areas of focus for the Rotary Club of Parksville, the SOS tutoring program was a natural fit,” said Diana Matsuda, public image chair at Rotary Club of Parksville. “We are pleased to support a program that will improve the academic and literacy competency of our community’s youth.”
The program is a free service that has been supporting local students in Grades 6 through 12 at SOS’s Community Services Centre in Parksville since 2004. The program provides professional one-on-one academic assistance in Math and English.
The successful program has had a significant waiting list for several years. The Parksville Rotary grant has enabled SOS to expand tutoring services by hiring an additional tutor, allowing students to access the program from SOS’s Parksville and Qualicum Beach locations.
“As parents, we want to provide as many beneficial opportunities to our children as possible,” said Kait Burgan, whose child attends the program. “It’s heartbreaking when finances get in the way. Access to these programs goes a long way in reducing the gap between those with financial means for education and those without, helping to level the playing field.”
Burgan turned to tutoring when high school math became challenging for her daughter. Knowing she wasn’t the best person to teach her child, Burgan knew professional support would be beneficial to both of them.
Since her daughter began attending the SOS program, her child’s grades improved and she has gained more confidence. “Math used to be her least favourite subject. It’s not anymore,” Burgan said.
In addition to academic support, Burgan values the sense of community the program fosters. Her daughter enjoys the interactions she has with staff and her peers, and the family also appreciates donating to SOS Thrift Shop, knowing their contributions support vital community programs like tutoring.
Lisa Gyorgy, a tutor in the program and an education assistant at Ècole Ballenas Secondary School agrees that the tutoring program boosts students’ self-esteem, meets diverse needs, and fosters community.
“The tutoring program is a free service that gives all students the opportunity to succeed, regardless of their social and economic backgrounds, and SOS makes it accessible to everyone who needs it,” said Gyorgy.
The program supports various learning styles and helps students both inside and outside the classroom. SOS provides a safe learning environment, where students can learn new skills, store tutoring materials, access technology, and use learning apps.
Gyorgy often acts as a mentor to students, recognizing that some students have aspirations beyond the standard curriculum and need encouragement to explore their interests, abilities and strengths.
On top of Math and English, Gyorgy has assisted students with résumé crafting, language skills, vocabulary enhancement, social skills and even songwriting.
“The benefits of the program are vast,” Gyorgy said. “I’m so grateful that SOS is providing opportunities for people like myself and our local youth, it is a gift. SOS provides an amazing space and supplies snacks, drinks, time to check-in, and adequate time for learning.”
The program runs Monday to Thursday, offering one-hour sessions from 3:30 pm to 5:30 pm. Due to high demand, there is a waiting list. Call 250-954-9035 to register.
For more information, visit sosd69.com/tutoring-program
